From NYU Athletics
Natalie Bruns scored a career-high 29 points and the New York University women's basketball team advanced in the NCAA Division III Championship with a 71-54 victory over Greensboro College on Friday in Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania.
Bruns, who had 19 points at halftime, also contributed 15 rebounds, four blocks, two steals and an assist as the Violets took the lead early in the first quarter and never relinquished it.
"We have a lot of people on this team who can score, and a big point of emphasis to just get the ball to the person that's heating up a little bit," Bruns said. "It's something we've been doing all season long."
Trailing 5-2, NYU ended the first quarter on a 16-5 run. The Violets extended their lead to 38-17 at halftime and then to a game-high 23 points on Bruns' layup to open the third quarter.
The Pride then utilized a 24-10 run to pull within 48-41 late in the quarter.
"My stress was high, but we just tried to make the next right play or the next right stop," said Head Coach Meg Barber. "It's tournament time and teams go on runs. But, while I was stressed on the inside, our team didn't really show it and we were able to collect ourselves."
That's when the game's turning point occurred as Belle Pellecchia was fouled on a drive by Quadijah Moore, who also picked up a technical foul on the play. Pellecchia hit one free throw, Caroline Peper made both tech fouls and Pellecchia finished the spurt with a layup.
NYU never led by less than double-digits again.
"Basketball is a game of runs. The third quarter was their time," Pellecchia admitted. "But, we showed composure knowing that we've been in these situations before and were able to overcome them."
Pellecchia finished with 17 points, seven rebounds, three assists and three steals.
Jenny Walker contributed six points and five rebounds, while Peper, Erica Miller and Mary Kate Fahey all scored five points.
Bruns' four blocks lifted her NYU one-season record to 63.
"It's great to win and advance. One game at a time," Barber said. "Greensboro is a well-coached team and we knew we were going to be in for a battle tonight. At this time of year, no one is willing to just fold and go home."